as in to kill time
to spend time doing nothing
returned home unannounced and found the au pair goofing off
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for goof (off)
Noun
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Mattress slackers do have an excuse, however, since some of the newer mattress-in-a-box brands aren't designed to flip.—
Alora Bopray,
USA Today,
4 Apr. 2026 -
Directed by John Hughes, the movie stars Matthew Broderick in the titular role of a high school slacker who plays hooky with his best friend Cameron (Alan Ruck) and girlfriend Sloane (Mia Sara).—
Entertainment Weekly,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Apr. 2026
Noun
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But Flynn also oozes sniveling self-righteousness while hotly defending and petitioning for childhood innocence (amusing hints emerge that the daughter is a somewhat lazy and dim underachiever).—
Christopher Smith,
Oc Register,
7 Apr. 2026
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And he is viewed as an underachiever.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
12 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Just take care of your[self], and veg out.—
Jackie Strause,
HollywoodReporter,
14 Jan. 2026
-
This set is damn near professional-wear, with a blazer-style top and contrast piping for those who like to veg out with dignity.—
Julia Harrison,
Architectural Digest,
10 Dec. 2025
Verb
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The latest season wrapped with Emily deciding to either kick back in Rome with her Italian boyfriend or return to life in Paris.—
Colson Thayer,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
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Oil prices have been swinging through sharp and sudden reversals for weeks with hopes rising and falling for the Strait of Hormuz to fully reopen and allow production of oil and natural gas to kick back into gear.—
Stan Choe,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The Lululemon Pace Breaker Linerless Shorts are versatile enough for working out, traveling, running errands, or just lounging at home, and the moisture-wicking fabric will keep you dry and comfortable.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
19 Apr. 2026
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Both pieces are made from 100-percent European linen and have a loose, relaxed fit that’s ideal for casual outings and lounging around the house.—
Rachel Trujillo,
PEOPLE,
17 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Though the sisters are supposedly first-generation Italian American, no whiff of the old country hangs about Kay; Dorothy will at least spit out a few words in Italian.—
Television Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
10 Mar. 2026
-
Turquoise pearl, and azure line the space, and a cylindrical hanging light sculpture made of hundreds of white and gold ceramic fish hangs about the lounge seating area.—
Kristin Braswell,
Condé Nast Traveler,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Somebody who is just living greatness and never rests on that laurel but is always pushing herself to expand as an artist.—
Bailey Richards,
PEOPLE,
21 Apr. 2026
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In Monday’s goalless draw with West Ham United, he was handed his third consecutive Premier League start as Ismaila Sarr was rested.—
Matt Woosnam,
New York Times,
21 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Get our daily newsletter Yet Mr Schwarzman avoids footling with life’s foot-soldiers for a reason.—
The Economist,
The Economist,
19 Sep. 2019
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Cite this Entry
“Goof (off).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/goof%20%28off%29. Accessed 23 Apr. 2026.
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